Updated: SR 26 bridge open to traffic

Barricades east of Othello removed Friday, Dec. 14

Updated: OTHELLO – Work to replace the State Route 26 bridge deck over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks east of Othello was completed a few hours before the noon opening promised. After barriers are removed by contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation, traffic between Colfax and Vantage no longer need to use the 32-mile detour on this primary route between western Washington and Washington State University in Pullman.

Between now and Dec.14, the concrete barrier rails will cure for the necessary ten days since they were poured. Specialty crews will finish curbing and guardrail work, paint temporary striping and perform deck pavement grooving before traffic flow is restored at noon.

"Safety for travelers and workers is always WSDOT's first priority and we appreciate the support and patience from parents and WSU students who were inconvenienced. We are also grateful for the difficult work in harsh conditions accomplished by Degerstrom crews and BNSF," said Project Engineer Dan Lewis. "At the same time, the simple detour has proven capable of safely accommodating high traffic volumes without significant delays."

The deck replacement project began Oct. 15 and was expected to take six weeks. The contractor, N.A. Degerstrom Inc., initially hoped to finish the $1.2 million project by Nov. 21, but the new concrete bridge deck and rails could not be poured and cured following delays due to permitting and weather.